Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Biting flies linked to horse skin irritation on Palos Verdes Peninsula
By Mullens, Bradley A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association·2005·Department of Entomology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Culicoides and other biting flies on the Palos Verdes Peninsula of Southern California, and their possible relationship to equine dermatitis.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Horses on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California were suffering from skin problems, likely due to bites from certain insects, particularly a type of midge called Culicoides obsoletus. Researchers collected various biting insects over two years and found that these midges were more common during the spring when dermatitis cases peaked. The study suggests that these biting flies are a significant cause of hypersensitivity reactions in horses, leading to skin irritation. Understanding the relationship between these insects and skin issues can help horse owners take preventive measures during peak seasons.
People also search for: horse skin problems Culicoides · equine dermatitis treatment · biting flies affecting horses
Abstract
Biting insects were sampled to investigate the cause(s) of dermatitis (putative Culicoides hypersensitivity [CHS]) on horses on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles County, California. Suction traps baited with CO2 were operated at 5 sites from April 2002 to August 2003, supplemented by sampling from horses. Six species of Culicoides, 7 species of mosquitoes, and occasional Simulium and Stomoxys were collected in traps. Culicoides sonorensis was the most common midge trapped, although C. obsoletus and C. freeborni also were collected repeatedly. Insects from the belly region of horses in spring (peak dermatitis period) were mostly C. obsoletus, which were far more abundant than indicated by CO2-baited suction traps. The predominant mosquito was Culiseta incidens; Culex quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis also could be common, depending on the site. Mosquitoes, particularly Cs. incidens, were more abundant the 2nd year (normal rainfall), whereas C. sonorensis and C. freeborni were more abundant the 1st year (drought period). Culicoides obsoletus, supplemented by C. sonorensis, is regarded as a primary suspect causing CHS in this area.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15825768/